Surgical anatomy of the anterior cranial fossa

Introduction

It is essential for otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons to have a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy of the anterior skull base. This knowledge allows surgeons to navigate the different intranasal surgical approaches that can be used to manage sinonasal and skull base pathology and to avoid surgical complications. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in the anterior skull base can occur spontaneously or during extended endoscopic endonasal transcribriform approaches for tumors such as esthesioneuroblastomas and meningiomas. CSF leaks can also occur secondary to trauma or surgery during manipulation near the skull base. In any case, thorough knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of this region allow proper preoperative planning, safer surgical procedures, and successful outcomes. ^, This chapter addresses the anatomy of the anterior cranial fossa. Chapters 7 and 8 delve into the anatomy of the middle and posterior cranial fossa.